Join the region’s top M&A professionals, capital providers, and corporate executives. The Tampa Bay Dealmaker Forum is your exclusive platform for high-level networking, actionable market insights, and celebrating the transactions that shape our regional economy.
Upcoming Event: Spring M&A Panel & Networking Don't miss our next quarterly event! Hear directly from the dealmakers driving capital formation as they unpack recent middle-market transactions and forecast what is on the horizon for Tampa Bay.
Meet Our Moderator: Dara Shareef, Shareholder and Board Director with Benchmark International
We are excited to announce that Dara Shareef, a Shareholder and Board Director with Benchmark International, will be moderating our upcoming panel discussion. Dara brings a rare, 360-degree perspective to the deal table. Over the course of his career, he has held virtually every role in a transaction, serving as a CEO, CFO, COO, board member, and venture capital investor. Because he has lived it, he understands exactly how buyers think and what operators fear. Drawing on his extensive M&A experience across industries like SaaS, healthcare, IT services, and niche manufacturing, Dara is uniquely positioned to guide our expert panelists through an in-depth conversation on Tampa Bay's middle-market ecosystem.
Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club
Format: Expert panel discussion followed by premier networking
Dealmaker Forum - Gold Sponsors
Dealmaker Forum - Silver Sponsors
Tampa Bay Dealmaker Forum: Quarterly M&A Recognition Events
Tampa Bay Dealmaker Forum to Showcase Local Financial Success
The Lowth Entrepreneurship Center at The University of Tampa is thrilled to introduce a quarterly forum dedicated to spotlighting the triumphs of financial deal-making in the Tampa Bay region. This exciting initiative will:
Shine a Light on Local Success: Offer a stage for Tampa Bay firms to share their accomplishments.
Empower the Next Generation: Create invaluable mentorship opportunities for the University of Tampa's finance students to learn from the best.
Student-Led Deep Dives: Showcase comprehensive presentations crafted by dedicated members of the Investment Banking Society.
We invite deal team professionals to actively engage with students, providing guidance and expertise as they prepare their presentations. These quarterly gatherings promise to cultivate a dynamic networking atmosphere and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Tampa Bay's financial community.
Tampa Bay Dealmaker Summit: Celebrating a Year of Success
The Tampa Bay Dealmaker Summit is an annual highlight, showcasing the most impressive deals shaping the Tampa Bay business landscape.
Hosted by The University of Tampa’s Lowth Entrepreneurship Center, this premier event offers a unique platform to celebrate achievement and inspire future success.
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Kick Off Event
January 2025
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Q1 Forum
April 2025
Dealmaker Forum Event
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Q2 Forum
July 2025
Dealmaker Forum Event
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Q3 Forum
October 2025
Dealmaker Forum Event - Tickets available now!
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Annual Summit
February 2026
Dealmaker Summit Event - Details To Be Announced Soon
FAQs
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M&A - Sell-side and Buy-side
Private Equity
Venture Capital
Debt Financing
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The January 2025 and the 2025 Quarterly events will be held at the John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center at the the University of Tampa.
Address: The University of Tampa, Maureen A. Daly Innovation and Collaboration Building, 820 W North A St 8th Floor, Tampa, FL 33606
The Summit will be held at the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club:
1601 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629
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Contact the board members at: info@tampabaydealmakerforum.com